MBAIAA Newsletter – February 2022

Published on February 17, 2022

Step 2 – “Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”

Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions – Page 25

“Then I woke up.  I had to admit that A.A. showed results, prodigious results.  I saw my attitude regarding these had been anything but scientific.  It wasn’t A.A. that had the closed mind, it was me.  The minute I stopped arguing, I could begin to see and feel.  Right there, Step Two gently and very gradually began to infiltrate my life.  I can’t say upon what occasion or upon what day I came to believe in a Power greater than myself, but I certainly have that belief now.  To acquire it, I had only to stop fighting and practice the rest of A.A.’s program as enthusiastically as I could.”

Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions – Pages 27

What’s Happening Locally

Monthly Intergroup Birthday Meeting – Saturday, February 26th @ 7:00PM

The Birthday meeting is on Saturday, February 26th at 7:00pm and will be held on Zoom (meeting ID & password below).  This month the meeting is hosted by Good Morning Carmel.  They meet daily, both online and in person.  7:00AM Monday – Friday.  8:00AM Saturday & Sunday.  The speaker is Harry H.

Please come support the Birthday Meeting.  If you have celebrated a birthday, we’d be happy to send you a chip!  Just contact Central Office with your address along with the number of years you have and they’ll get one in the mail.

  • Zoom Meeting ID:  652 224 0517
  • Password:  Sobriety

Monthly MBAR Planning Meetings

Monterey Bay Area Roundup is a conference held at the conference center in Monterey in September.  You’re encouraged to get involved in the planning, the fun, and the fellowship!  The meetings are on the 2nd Saturday of every month at 11:00am on Zoom.

  • Zoom Meeting ID:  831 4306 2293
  • Password: 2022

News From General Service

Monterey General Service newly elected panel is currently preparing for receiving, reviewing and presenting Agenda Topics.  Agenda Topics will be presented to groups in March so that we can gather our local group consciences.  Different than a “yes or no” vote, we are looking for an informed group conscience to take back to our delegate.  The delegate will deliver this information to A.A. World Services in New York so that every topic can be assessed from all viewpoints.  This is the term “We are A.A.” in action.  If your group does not have a General Service Representative, please consider electing a GSR to provide you with information so there’s an informed group conscience.

About the GSR position: It is a two year commitment – a firm foundation in the Steps and Traditions is very helpful.  As a G.S.R. you are conveying the information, without giving your opinion, to your group.  Willingness is the key.  Your understanding will grow within these two years.  We meet the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. via a digital platform. Please read the pamphlet and, if interested , let your group know you are ready to be of service.

GSR Pamphlet

With gratitude and service,

Jessica A.

“I am responsible, when anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there, and for that, I am responsible.”
Responsibility Statement


Current IGR Minutes & Financial Reports


A Note From Central Office

It’s already February 2022!  During Covid, time seems to drag and fly at the same time.

We are slowly making progress in this difficult time.  More meetings are returning to in person and some are doing a hybrid version of their meetings (in person and on Zoom).  Be sure to check our website to keep up with latest changes.  Any printed schedule that you might pick up are missing a few recent adjustments, as things change weekly.  Make an effort to find your meetings- it is vital to us.

We are trying to come up with an outdoor Spring event that we can all participate in.  If you have any thoughts or great ideas, share them! Call, email or come by the office.

There is a new podcast by the Grapevine.  It comes out once a week  on Mondays.  Each week, long-time members Don and Sam will interview a different member about their experience, strength and hope in a casual “meeting after the meeting” manner.  The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms.

We are trying to bring back the Birthday Meeting.  We all miss it – that one time in the month when we get to see all of our sober friends.  It has been a daunting task to know when, where, how to meet safely and in what location.  If you have any thoughts about any of these questions, let me know!

Please keep Central Office posted about any meeting changes, any special events that might be happening.  This Intergroup is about one thing – FELLOWSHIP!  We need each other to continue to be happy, joyous and free.

Be well. Look after each other, support each other, and remember that we can’t stay sober alone.  Share with others what was so freely given to you.

“Nothing is so bad that a drink won’t make it worse.”
The Best of the Grapevine volume 3